Re: (ET) e12 hybrid?

["Christopher Zach" <czach computer org>]

Jeremy:

I actually use solar now to charge my E20's batteries; here are a few
thoughts:

1) Don't use an inverter connected to the on-board charger. It is an
inefficient power pig

2) Tap into the battery power via the 36 volt accessory plug (the little
molex one). It's wired directly into the batteries via the main disconnect
and the 40amp breaker. Thus you will have a disconnect and a DC breaker and
will be totally within code as a power supplier.

3) Don't over-estimate the amount of solar you will need to run the 
tractor.
Remember: Solar is power over time. If you are only using the tractor once 
a
week for an hour or two, three 60 watt panels and a SC-12 regulator at 36
volts is all you need. Over the week it will soak up the sun and charge the
batteries, on the weekend you can do your thing.

I went for serious overkill, and bought three MSX-120 panels for the
tractor. It can charge from dead to full in about two days; it recovers 
from
my lawn mowing in one day of sun. Currently I have about 600 watts of solar
on the shed, and I can't manage to burn down the tractor and/or the shed
batteries. In fact, I bought a Micro-Sine 100 watt grid-tie inverter to 
sell
the extra solar/battery power to the grid. I average about 1kw a day on 
that
:-)

Check out my website http://www.crystel.com for more details on a solar
Elec-Trak.

Chris



----- Original Message -----
From: "Jeremy" <nagidog starband net>
To: <elec-trak cosmos phy tufts edu>
Sent: Tuesday, June 18, 2002 9:20 PM
Subject: (ET) e12 hybrid?


I just purchased an e12 unseen for 350 dollars, but in good condition with 
a
front mower and snowblade.  I produce all my power from solar and wind
supplemented by generators, and it is difficult to supply the 10 KW to 
fully
charge the batteries.  I plan to charge my batteries from a small 3
horsepower turning a 60 amp alternator and controlled for 36 Volts.  When
batteries are low, turn on the generator, instead of pulling in to plug in
just charge while you mow.  I'll post my progress.

Jeremy